Alleged Abduction of Dr. Pedro Obaseki Sparks Outrage as Ex-Governor Condemns Palace-Linked Violence

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed deep shock and outrage over the alleged assault, abduction, and humiliation of his cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a veteran journalist and former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, in an incident that has ignited widespread public condemnation and renewed debate over abuse of power, human rights, and the limits of traditional authority in Nigeria.

According to reports, Dr. Pedro Obaseki was allegedly attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was said to have been physically assaulted, intimidated, and tortured by armed men before being forcefully taken away. Disturbing video footage that later surfaced on social media appears to show Dr. Pedro in a visibly battered and distressed state, reportedly stripped naked, as he was escorted by armed individuals to the palace of the Oba of Benin. The footage also shows palace chiefs receiving the group upon arrival, a development that has further fueled allegations of palace complicity.

Sources familiar with the incident claimed that the armed men involved were acting under instructions linked to the palace and were allegedly awaiting further directives before Dr. Pedro’s eventual release. While official clarification from the palace was yet to be issued at the time of reporting, the gravity of the allegations and the graphic nature of the footage have provoked intense reactions across the country.

Reacting in a strongly worded statement on Sunday, former Governor Godwin Obaseki described the incident as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and a dangerous affront to the rule of law. He unequivocally condemned what he termed the “violent attack, maiming, and abduction” of his cousin by armed thugs allegedly acting on behalf of the Oba of Benin’s palace.

“I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin,” Obaseki said. He expressed disbelief and disappointment that a revered traditional institution could be linked to such actions, describing the development as both embarrassing and deeply troubling.

“I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only disgraceful but a sad commentary on how power can be abused when unchecked,” he added.

The former governor called on security agencies to immediately launch a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident. He urged law enforcement authorities to identify all those involved—both direct perpetrators and their sponsors—and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of status or position.

Obaseki warned that allowing non-state actors and armed thugs to operate with impunity on behalf of influential individuals poses a grave danger to society. According to him, such actions erode public trust in institutions and risk plunging the state into lawlessness.

“A situation where thugs and non-state actors freely take the law into their own hands in the name of authority can only lead to anarchy. No society can survive where brute force replaces due process,” he said.

He further appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups, professional bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against the alleged injustice. Obaseki stressed that silence in the face of such abuses only emboldens perpetrators and weakens democratic norms.

The incident has since triggered a wave of reactions from Nigerians, particularly on social media, where opinions remain sharply divided. While many condemned the alleged assault as barbaric and incompatible with modern society, others framed the issue within the context of traditional authority and long-standing tensions between political power and royal institutions in Edo State.

For many observers, the controversy has once again highlighted the delicate balance between respect for traditional institutions and the supremacy of the rule of law. As calls for accountability grow louder, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the authorities will act decisively or allow the matter to fade without consequences.

Ultimately, the alleged abduction of Dr. Pedro Obaseki has become more than a personal tragedy; it has evolved into a national test of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights, justice, and the principle that no individual or institution should be above the law.